the collector's folio

Anton Graff Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Anton Graff our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Anton Graff · 1736 – 1813

Friedrich der Große

1786 · Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam · original 62 x 51 cm

Witness the power and portraiture of Anton Graf's 'Friedrich der Große.' This iconic 1786 painting captures Frederick II’s intensity, rendered with masterful detail & a commanding gaze.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24151 × 62 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of George Leopold de Gogul

1796 · Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg · original 130 x 95 cm

Admire Anton Graff’s masterful portrait of George Leopold de Gogul (1796), capturing the elegance and sophistication of a prominent French military figure. Explore high-quality reproductions on WikiOO.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$51095 × 130 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Prince Alexander Mikhailovich Belosselsky-Belozersky

1790 · Georgia Museum of Art, Athens

Admire Anton Graff’s masterful portrait of Prince Alexander Mikhailovich Belosselsky-Belozersky, commissioned by Princess Kochubey and housed in the Academy of Fine Arts collection. Explore its opulent details and historical significance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of the three daughters of Julius Johann von Vieth und Gossenau

1773 · Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe, Carlsruhe · original 5 x 81 cm

Graff's artistic journey spanned from Winterthur’s guild workshops to Augsburg and Ansbach, fostering collaborations with luminaries like Friedrich Schiller and Christoph Willibald Gluck. His legacy resides in documenting the refined tastes of European aristocracy during a transformative period.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of the Painter Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki

1785 · Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Berlin

This striking portrait showcases Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s artistic prowess, embodying the Neoclassical aesthetic and reflecting the grandeur of Prussian royalty. Executed in 1785 by Anton Graff, it exemplifies meticulous detail and idealized beauty.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Heinrich XIII, Graf Reuss

1775 · Neue Pinakothek, Munich · original 113 x 84 cm

This magnificent portrait showcases Heinrich XIII, Graf Reuss (1747-1817), a prominent member of Prussia’s Elder Line. Created in 1775 by Anton Graff, it exemplifies Neoclassical artistic principles.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$42684 × 113 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Jakob Foss

The Art Museum RIGA BOURSE, Riga · original 57 x 70 cm

Experience the attentive gaze of Jakob Foss in this striking portrait by Anton Graff, capturing 18th-century elegance; discover this masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$26557 × 70 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of a Man

1798 · Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg · original 132.0 x 99.5cm

This Neoclassical oil portrait by Anton Graff captures a scholar's intellectual calm. Discover this timeless masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$532100 × 132 cm Commission at original size

Self-Portrait at the Age of 58

1794 · Gemäldegalerie, Dresden · original 168 x 105 cm

Discover Anton Graff’s ‘Self-Portrait at 58’ (1794). A classical portrait showcasing the artist's thoughtful expression & masterful brushwork. Explore this stunning Swiss artwork – perfect for art lovers.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17725 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$663105 × 168 cm Commission at original size

The Poetess Elisa von der Recke

1797 · Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin · original 97.5 x 76.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$36676 × 98 cm Commission at original size

Provost Johann Joachim Spalding in a House-Coat

1800 · Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin · original 70.5 x 55.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$26255 × 71 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Johann Georg Sulzer

1777 · Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Self-portrait of Anton Graff (1736-1813)

1805 · Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Dresden · original 71.0 x 56.6cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$26657 × 71 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Conrad Ekhof, theatre director and historian of drama

Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin · original 62.5 x 50.5cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24151 × 63 cm Commission at original size

Self-portrait with green eyeshade

1813 · Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin · original 65.0 x 51.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24651 × 65 cm Commission at original size

Henriette von Carlowitz, 1772

1772 · Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin · original 84.5 x 68.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$31768 × 85 cm Commission at original size

Juliane Wilhelmine Bause

1785 · Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin · original 81.0 x 64.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$30164 × 81 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Johanna Henriette Louise Countess of Bestucheff-Rumin, née von Carlowitz (1717-1787) (?)

View the most popular artwork of Anton Graff ranked #18: Portrait of Johanna Henriette Louise Countess of Bestucheff-Rumin, née von Carlowitz (1717-1787) (?)

1774 · Städel Museum, Frankfurt · original 62.3 x 49.2cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23849 × 62 cm Commission at original size

Porträt der Isabella von Broizem

1783 · Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin · original 78.0 x 62.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29062 × 78 cm Commission at original size

Youthful self-portrait

1765 · Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Dresden · original 100.0 x 78.5cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$37979 × 100 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Frederick Augustus, Duke of Warsaw

National Museum in Warsaw, Warsaw · original 82.0 x 61.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29561 × 82 cm Commission at original size

Henriette Herz

1792 · Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin · original 83.0 x 65.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$30765 × 83 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Johann Nepomuk von Schaffgotsch in military uniform.

1770 · National Museum in Warsaw, Warsaw · original 78.5 x 64.5cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29765 × 79 cm Commission at original size

Selbstporträt

1804 · Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin · original 58.5 x 48.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23148 × 59 cm Commission at original size

Self-portrait

1780 · Bavarian State Painting Collections, Munich · original 63.8 x 52.1cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 79 artworks by Anton Graff
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24652 × 64 cm Commission at original size

The artist

Anton Graff

1736 – 1813

Quick facts

Movementsneoclassical
Art periodEarly Modern
Lifespan77 years
Color intensitymonochromatic
Museums on APSAlte Nationalgalerie, National Museum in Warsaw, Städel Museum, Sanssouci Palace, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden
Best occasionsaccent
Room fitliving room
Also known asA. Graf, A. Graff, Graff, Carl Anton Graff, Anton Graft

Biography

A Life Etched in Likeness: The World of Anton Graff

Anton Graff, born in Winterthur, Switzerland in 1736, emerged as one of the most celebrated portraitists of his era—a period defined by the Enlightenment’s intellectual fervor and the burgeoning Neoclassical aesthetic. His story is not merely a chronicle of artistic skill but a fascinating journey through the social and cultural landscapes of 18th and early 19th century Europe, intimately connected with some of its most brilliant minds. Graff's beginnings were humble; he received his initial training in Winterthur under Johann Ulrich Schellenberg before venturing to Augsburg where his talent quickly outpaced the local guild’s comfort level. Forced to move on due to the anxieties of less gifted contemporaries, he found mentorship with Johann Jakob Haid and later, Leonhard Schneider in Ansbach, honing his skills while absorbing diverse artistic influences. These early experiences instilled in him not only technical proficiency but also a resilience that would characterize his career. Frequent trips to Munich allowed him to study masterworks, laying the foundation for his distinctive style—a blend of meticulous detail, psychological insight, and an emerging Neoclassical sensibility.

From Dresden Court Painter to Chronicler of an Era

The pivotal moment in Graff’s career arrived with his appointment as court painter to the Saxon electorate in Dresden in 1766. This position provided him not only financial security but also access to a vibrant intellectual circle and a steady stream of prominent sitters. He quickly became *the* portraitist of choice for the leading figures of the German Enlightenment, immortalizing individuals like Friedrich Schiller, Christoph Willibald Gluck, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, Moses Mendelssohn, and Johann Gottfried Herder on canvas. These were not simply likenesses; Graff possessed a remarkable ability to capture the inner lives of his subjects—their intellect, their passions, and their vulnerabilities. He wasn’t merely painting faces; he was documenting an intellectual revolution. His portraits became visual embodiments of the era's philosophical and artistic currents. The invitation from Christian Ludwig von Hagedorn, director of the Dresden Art Academy, initially met with Graff’s own self-doubt, speaks volumes about his humility despite undeniable talent. It was a self-portrait that ultimately secured his position, demonstrating a confidence and skill that resonated deeply within the court.

A Master of Light, Shadow, and Social Nuance

Graff's artistic technique was characterized by a masterful command of light and shadow, influenced significantly by the work of Ján Kupecký, whose paintings he studied intently. He employed this skill to draw attention to the faces of his sitters, imbuing them with depth and psychological complexity. However, Graff wasn’t oblivious to the social conventions of his time; while focusing on the face for male subjects, he often subtly highlighted the décolletage of female sitters—a nod to prevailing aesthetic expectations. His attention to detail extended beyond the human form, encompassing the textures of fabrics and draperies with a precision reminiscent of French court painters like Hyacinthe Rigaud. Initially favoring monochrome backgrounds, Graff later embraced outdoor settings, reflecting the growing trend in English portraiture. The price of his portraits reflected not only his time but also the intricacy of the sitter’s attire—a testament to the importance placed on social status and material wealth during that period. He was a keen observer of human nature, famously noting Schiller's difficulty in remaining still for a sitting – a charming anecdote revealing both his patience and his perceptive eye.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Anton Graff’s influence extended beyond the realm of portraiture. As a teacher at the Dresden Art Academy, he nurtured the talents of future generations of artists, including Emma Körner, Philipp Otto Runge, and Karl Ludwig Kaaz. His work represents a crucial bridge between the Rococo and Neoclassical styles, embodying both the elegance and ornamentation of the former with the clarity and restraint of the latter. He painted nearly 1,000 portraits during his lifetime, creating an invaluable visual record of the German Enlightenment and its leading figures. Perhaps his most celebrated work is the portrait of Frederick the Great, a masterpiece created without ever having the king pose for him directly. Graff cleverly observed the monarch during military parades, capturing his commanding presence and steely gaze with remarkable accuracy. This painting, housed at Schloss Charlottenburg, remains an iconic image of Prussian power and leadership. Anton Graff’s legacy endures not only through his stunning portraits but also as a testament to the power of art to capture the spirit of an age. He was more than just a painter; he was a chronicler, a social commentator, and a master of human representation whose work continues to resonate with audiences today.

A Lasting Impression

Despite receiving lucrative offers from other academies, including one in Berlin, Graff remained committed to Dresden, solidifying his position as the leading portrait painter in Germany throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His clientele extended beyond the German nobility to include Russian, Polish, and Baltic aristocrats, further cementing his international reputation. He was a favorite among poets, musicians, diplomats, and scholars—individuals who appreciated his ability to capture their essence on canvas. Graff’s portraits offer a unique window into a pivotal period in European history, providing invaluable insights into the lives, thoughts, and aspirations of those who shaped the Enlightenment and laid the foundations for the Romantic era. His work stands as a lasting tribute to the power of portraiture to transcend mere representation and become a profound expression of human experience.

Questions & Answers

How do I find works by Anton Graff on a specific theme?

Anton Graff's works can be explored by keyword on the artist's By Keywords page. Each keyword groups the related artworks.

How can I follow Anton Graff's work year by year?

The artist's Artwork Timeline page presents Anton Graff's works ordered by date, year by year.

What are the birthplace and birth year of Anton Graff?

Anton Graff was born in Winterthur in 1736.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated July 4, 2026

Collector's quiz

Anton Graff was a leading portrait artist from which country?
Graff served as a court painter and teacher at the art academy in which city?
Which famous philosopher was among those portrayed by Anton Graff?
What was the subject of what is considered Graff's masterpiece?
Before establishing himself in Dresden, Graff faced difficulties finding work due to his success where?

one You choose the size

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two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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